A Panama City Day Trip from Panama City Beach

Panama City is a separate destination from Panama City Beach, and the City of Panama City’s driving guidance names Highway 98, Highway 79, Highway 20 and Interstate 10 among routes to the area.

It does not identify a direct route or travel time between the two destinations, so use a current navigation app to choose your route. For a different day-trip destination from Panama City Beach, things to do in Port St. Joe from Panama City Beach covers another option.

A flexible day can start downtown, continue to a waterfront park, then finish with a museum or arts stop. This order groups the city’s downtown and bayfront attractions without relying on a set schedule.

Begin at McKenzie Park, a downtown green space with a gazebo, nature park, pavilion, picnic areas, shelters, tables and restrooms. From there, choose a museum or gallery, or follow the city’s Mural Trail, which extends from St. Andrews through Downtown to Millville and has more than 15 exhibits.

Save time for the waterfront at Oaks by the Bay Park, where the boardwalk, observation platform, benches and walking track give you several ways to spend time along St. Andrews Bay. If you want a cultural stop, finish at the Panama City Center for the Arts or one of the city’s museums.

Downtown Panama City pairs shaded park space with a marina and several nearby cultural attractions. McKenzie Park is at 17 E 3rd Ct.; its hours are dawn until dusk unless special permission has been granted.

For a bayfront stop, Oaks by the Bay Park is at 2715 W 10th St. The 5-acre park has a boardwalk, gazebo, observation platform, benches, pavilion, picnic areas and a walking track. Its hours are also dawn until dusk unless special permission has been granted.

The Downtown Panama City Marina, at 1 Harrison Avenue, is a launch point for boats and serves fishing; the T-Dock also hosts special events. The city’s attractions include St. Andrews Marina as well as waterfront parks such as Adams Park and Millville Waterfront Park.

Panama City has museums and galleries that can add a cultural stop to a downtown and waterfront day. Options include the Panama City Publishing Company Museum, Bay County Historical Museum, Native Spirit Museum and Gallery, and Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida. Summer Breeze Motel is a Panama City Beach base for the trip.

The Panama City Center for the Arts, at 19 East 4th Street, offers rotating exhibitions, art classes, workshops, live events and family-friendly activities. The Martin Theatre is at 409 Harrison Avenue, and the St. Andrews Publishing Company Museum is at 1134 Beck Avenue.

If you want to include a campus visit, Florida State University Panama City is about 7 minutes by car from the motel. The Florida State University Panama City visitor guide covers what to expect at that stop.

Check parking signs and use designated public lots for longer downtown visits. Avoid blocking travel lanes, parking too close to intersections, blocking driveways or dumpsters, and using accessible spaces without proper credentials.

Park hours at McKenzie Park and Oaks by the Bay Park are dawn until dusk, unless special permission has been granted. Hours and local guidance can change, so check the official site before you go.

Are Panama City and Panama City Beach the same place?

No. They are distinct destinations; Panama City is the city for this day trip, while Panama City Beach is the departure area.

What can you do along the Panama City Mural Trail?

The trail has more than 15 exhibits extending from St. Andrews through Downtown to Millville.

Which Panama City parks have waterfront views?

Oaks by the Bay Park is a waterfront park on St. Andrews Bay, and the city also names Adams Park and Millville Waterfront Park among its waterfront parks.

Where can you find downtown parking guidance?

Follow posted signs and use designated public lots for longer visits. The city’s guidance also lists parking practices to avoid, including blocking driveways and travel lanes.